Let us understand what our own selfish genes are up to, because we may then at least have a chance to upset their designs, something that no other species has ever aspired to do.
EvolutionBiologyGenesHumanityHuman natureAgencyConsciousness
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans can potentially resist biological drives shaped by evolution, a unique ability among species.
- In plain terms
- Understanding our genes helps us resist their influence, which other animals cannot do.
- What can you take from it?
- Self-awareness allows humans to override instinctual drives.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- To what extent can we control our instincts?
Another view
It may overstate human ability to fully overcome biology.
More from Richard Dawkins
Let us try to teach generosity and altruism, because we are born selfish.
Permalink to quote #15 They are in you and me; they created us, body and mind; and their preservation is the ultimate rationale for our existence. They have come a long way, those re…
Permalink to quote #17 I am not advocating a morality based on evolution. I am saying how things have evolved. I am not saying how we humans morally ought to behave.
Permalink to quote #14
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